Catoctin Wildlife Preserve

Explore the zoo where people and animals get closer together. Ramble over 50 beautifully wooded and landscaped acres and gardens meeting animals who jump, swim, fly, roar and tweet to greet you.

Endearing Sun Bears, energetic Lemurs from Madagascar, Kangaroo and Dingo from “down under” and some of the rarest and most entertaining monkeys in the world await you. Dangle your fingers among a hundred of brilliantly colored Japanese Koi in the Japanese Garden and watch the sunlight on the ripples of its calming waters. Feed the dozens of free flying ducks and geese wandering among our ponds.

A full schedule of shows and encounters are offered every day. Enjoy these fun, lively adventures with lots of opportunities to learn about and touch selected animals. Encountersare special times when you can get closer to a safe animal, learn inside facts about our big favorites or feed an animal a special snack. Shows and encounters are hosted by trained volunteers, education or animal care staff, giving you a variety of information and viewpoints.